I turned the key off on my 92 gl1500 and the lights stayed on. Start button didn't work with key off. I had to disconnect the battery to kill the power. I'm thinking bad ignition switch.
How hard is it to replace?

God gave his ArchAngels weapons because even the Almighty knew you don't fight evil with tolerance & understanding.

It ain't necessarily the ignition switch - I had an accessory volts/clock/temperature etc. meter on the bike (came on the bike when I bought it used) and, when it failed, it caused the ignition to stay on, even with the key off & out. I messed with all sorts of stuff, trying to figure it out, until I noticed the display on the little accessory unit was messed up. The instant I disconnected it, all was back to normal.

Also, one of the relays (#3, IIRC) can cause ignition-switched items to have always-on symptoms (I had that happen, too).

I suspect one of those is more likely than a failed ignition switch (although, it certainly is possible).

Keep us posted as to what you find...sure as heck, someone else will benefit from your experience!!

The relay panel is located just forward and a little behind the leading edge of the left saddle bag. To access the relays, you will have to take loose the left saddle bag and move it out slightly. I believe this can be done without removing the under trunk cover and possibly the seat.

Yep - you don't have to remove the left saddlebag, but you do have to be able to move the leading edge out from the bike at least 1/2" to get at that relay.

Once you have access, you could try what I did, first - when I could get to the relay, I tapped on it with a screwdriver handle. There was a tiny "click" inside it, and everything suddenly reverted to normal. Those relays are mechanical devices internally, and do eventually fail. From what I've seen, a common failure is for them to stick "on". #3 activates several systems when the ignition is on, so when #3 sticks on, those items stay live, even with the ignition off.

Those relays are extremely reliable, but they don't last forever. BTW, you're unlikely to be able to source them locally, as they seem to be unique to Honda (and maybe to the GL1500!). WingAdmin, here on the forum, is not only the best source anywhere for replacements, but he's also the cheapest by quite a margin. In addition, he carries the actual OEM ones, not aftermarket. When my #3 failed, I ordered three replacements from WingAdmin, and I carry them tucked away in my saddlebag.

It's embarrassing to admit, but since I got the relays, I still haven't got around to replacing my #3 - the original's still in there. After the screwdriver-handle trick, it kept working, although it's on extremely borrowed time....

Mh434 wrote:Yep - you don't have to remove the left saddlebag, but you do have to be able to move the leading edge out from the bike at least 1/2" to get at that relay.

Once you have access, you could try what I did, first - when I could get to the relay, I tapped on it with a screwdriver handle. There was a tiny "click" inside it, and everything suddenly reverted to normal. Those relays are mechanical devices internally, and do eventually fail. From what I've seen, a common failure is for them to stick "on". #3 activates several systems when the ignition is on, so when #3 sticks on, those items stay live, even with the ignition off.

Those relays are extremely reliable, but they don't last forever. BTW, you're unlikely to be able to source them locally, as they seem to be unique to Honda (and maybe to the GL1500!). WingAdmin, here on the forum, is not only the best source anywhere for replacements, but he's also the cheapest by quite a margin. In addition, he carries the actual OEM ones, not aftermarket. When my #3 failed, I ordered three replacements from WingAdmin, and I carry them tucked away in my saddlebag.

It's embarrassing to admit, but since I got the relays, I still haven't got around to replacing my #3 - the original's still in there. After the screwdriver-handle trick, it kept working, although it's on extremely borrowed time....

Best of luck, and let us know how it works out!

Thank you for the information. Now that we're back from our 34th wedding anniversary, I can get it fixed.

God gave his ArchAngels weapons because even the Almighty knew you don't fight evil with tolerance & understanding.

MikeB wrote:The relay panel is located just forward and a little behind the leading edge of the left saddle bag. To access the relays, you will have to take loose the left saddle bag and move it out slightly. I believe this can be done without removing the under trunk cover and possibly the seat.

Here is a drawing from the 1994 service manual:

RELAY #3.png

And the culprit responsible for all the headaches & drama was Relay #3!
Thanks to MikeB and everyone for the help & advice.
I'm back on the road again!!

God gave his ArchAngels weapons because even the Almighty knew you don't fight evil with tolerance & understanding.